Model 3 vs Camry

Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.

Tesla Model 3
Tesla

Model 3

Price from $38,630
Monthly payment $449
More details
Toyota Camry
Toyota

Camry

Price from $29,300
Monthly payment $341
More details

Specifications

  Model 3 Camry
Manufacturer Tesla Toyota
Starting price $38,630 $29,300
Monthly payment $449 $341
Fuel type Electricity Hybrid
Fuel economy 26.4 kWh/100 mi 46.0 mpg
CO₂ emissions 172 g/mi–204 g/mi
Annual maintenance cost

Common issues

Tesla Model 3

Common-issue data is not available yet.

Toyota Camry

Yes, the 2019-2020 Camry 2.5L and 3.5L non-hybrid models with Denso low-pressure fuel pumps can hesitate, idle rough, crank long, set a check-engine light, and then stall without restarting. The Denso pump impeller can deform and stop pumping fuel, which can cause sudden loss of power steering and brake assist; Toyota recalled these pumps under 20V-012 and 20V-345. Dealers replace the pump free under recall, and independent out-of-pocket repair typically runs $350-$700.

Yes, 2019-2021 Camrys with Entune 3.0/4.0 can have the center screen go black, freeze, reboot, drop Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and lose the backup camera and HVAC display. Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0043-20 for head-unit firmware updates, and a dealer software update is usually free; if the hardware has failed, head-unit replacement runs roughly $1,000-$2,000 at dealer rates. The main consequences are driver distraction, rear-camera loss, and losing screen-integrated climate controls while driving.

The 2019 Camry, with some 2020 examples, can clunk or jolt on 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts, thud on downshifts, and delay engagement from Park or Neutral; this applies to the direct-shift 8-speed automatic behind 2.5L and 3.5L engines. Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0108-19 for these shift-quality issues, and the reflash typically costs $100-$300; severe cases with torque-converter damage may need a $3,000-$6,000 transmission replacement. The issue degrades drivability but usually does not cause a no-drive failure.

Yes, 2019-2020 Camrys can have water pool in the front or rear footwells because of cowl and cabin-air-intake sealing or HVAC drain routing. Inspection cues include damp carpets, fogged windows, and musty odor after rain or washing; prolonged leaks can corrode connectors and modules under the dash or seats. Sealing or drain repair typically costs $200-$700, while replacing a water-damaged body or BCM module can exceed $1,200.

Yes, 2019-2022 Camry Hybrids, especially 2021-2022 models, can have the pump click off before the tank is full, the gauge drop from full within a few miles, and a pessimistic distance-to-empty reading. Toyota issued EVAP and fuel-gauge calibration field actions and service updates; independent diagnosis and repair of the EVAP pressure sensor or vent valve usually runs $250-$400. The issue reduces usable range and makes fuel level unreliable, but it does not cause stalling.

About this comparison

Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Camry suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.

Model 3 starts at $38,630; Camry starts at $29,300. The difference is $9,330, making Camry about 24% cheaper before financing.

Estimated monthly payment: Model 3 — $449; Camry — $341. The difference is $108 per month, with Camry lower.

The models use different powertrains: Model 3 — Electricity; Camry — Hybrid. The better choice depends on your daily route and access to charging.

The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.

Want to compare other models? Return to the full catalog or calculate financing using your own terms.